Newer information about the old Mercy

This is follow up to my previous post.

The Oshkosh Northwestern today ran an editorial regarding CRL, Mr. Ganther and the city of Oshkosh. I received the following email from Ms. Jan Rupnick, CRL's Director of Public Relations and Advertising, that addresses some of the questions raised in the editorial. I feel that it is important information to share with you.

In the March 15, 2007 issue of the Oshkosh Northwestern ran an editorial about the relationship between the city, Ganther Construction and CRL, Senior Living Communities. Here are some of the answers to those questions:

In 2002, did Ganther and CRL work together on the first proposed Mercy project?
No. Arcom, a development company had partnered with Gitchie-Gumee on the first proposed project. However, due to differing visions for the scheduling of the proposed project, dissolved the relationship in early February 2004, prior to the financing and permitting of the Parkside Place apartments.

Who is Arcom and what are its ties to CRL?
Arcom is a development company that partners with CRL to develop and operate independent senior apartments, assisted living communities and Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory impairment communities.

What happened to that $800,000?
The money was used by Gitchie-Gumee to abate asbestos and other site contaminations, demolish buildings and provide infrastructure improvements to the site.

Was the city trying to hide the fact that CRL was involved when the first proposed Mercy project occurred?
No. The city planning department was concerned with the new proposal. It is unfair to single out Mr. Kinney when in fact Arcom and Mr. Anbar’s involvement in the initial proposal was public knowledge. Mr. Anbar played an important role in Gitchie-Gumee’s proposal to the city. In August 2002, Arcom (Mr. Anbar) and Gitchie-Gumee (Mr. Ganther) presented to the Common Council. Council members, the current city manager, the current city attorney and city planning department were all provided with substantial information about Arcom at that time.

[Clarification from Bryan: The current members of the council who were serving in August 2002 are Mayor Castle, Mr. Esslinger and Ms. Mattox.]

Is the current Pay-Go TIF money being backed by the taxpayers?
No, because the only money that will be given to CRL comes directly from CRL’s property tax payment to the city on the approved project.

Why is CRL doing the project now?
CRL has always believed that the site would be an ideal location for senior apartments and is excited about the opportunity to implement the project Dan Anbar initially envisioned. The current capital markets make financing this size project much more feasible than in the first year after 9/11.

Who is CRL and are they really successful at what they
do?
CRL has more than 20 years experience in operating and managing senior housing. Its success is visible with its current projects.
· Lakeshore Manor has doubled in size since opening in 2005.
· Island Shores, senior apartments in Neenah, Wis., is adding an additional 60 units on the property adjacent to the existing complex.
· Countryside Manor, in Sheboygan, Wis., is in the process of planning for a third Alzheimer’s and memory impairment community on its existing campus.
· In late spring, the company is opening Northfield Manor in Menomonee Falls, Wis.
· The company is in the early design development stage for a project in Kenosha, Wis.

Does CRL have ties to Ganther Construction?
Ganther Construction is a design/build company that has a vast amount of experience in designing and building healthcare properties. Arcom and CRL have very high standards for the communities it develops and operates. Ganther Construction has successfully been able to meet the tight timelines and budgets imposed by the companies, as well as their demands for a well designed and built community that offers a therapeutic environment to its residents.

If you have any additional questions, questions can be directed to Jan Rupnick, spokeswomen for CRL.

-Bryan